Following approximately ten weeks of consultation with the client, P+HS have recently submitted a full planning application for a new two storey linac facility (radiotherapy treatment) within the existing city centre site. The new facility will replace the existing linacs with three new bunkers and associated patient change / treatment check. A central atrium next to a courtyard garden will function as the main feature, providing pleasant views out for waiting patients and visitors whilst encouraging natural light and ventilation into these areas. Additional accommodation includes two new CT scanners with associated control areas, patient wait wc’s, mould fitting and a main reception upon entrance. The first floor will be for staff only, consisting of consultant offices, seminar, staffroom etc.

As part of the design process, sketch plans were tabled and discussed regularly at weekly workshops with the end users. This provided a framework for establishing critical aspects such as main entrance, clinical adjacencies, staff accommodation etc. at an early stage. Below are some snap-shots of some of the proposed external images, together with plans discussed prior to sign-off. All we need to do now is achieve Excellent for Breeam!

This afternoon Adrian Evans collected the award for Best Healthcare Building in the Building Excellence Awards held at The Stadium of Light. This follows a similar award for Grindon Lane Primary Care Centre and, we understand, awards for Wrekenton and Eaglescliffe Health Centres.

While doing some research on BREEAM I came across a website that had an interesting article on “How to Grow Your Own Fresh Air” Here, it is a very interesting idea and one that its worth thinking about, even if it’s not applicable to any of our projects it is an interesting idea nonetheless.

Far more interesting is where this article came from. TED

What is TED?

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader. As part of an annual event the annual conference brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).

The information found in this site is by far some of the best that I have ever seen; aside from some very interesting Architecture talks there are some other great talks by inspiring people (in their own right) like Sir Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Stephen Hawkins, Sir Norman Foster and many more.
Below are some links to interesting talks:

Frank Gehry

Norman Foster: Building on the green agenda

Thom Mayne: Architecture is a new way to connect to the world

There are many more but I would leave up to you to find those of most interests to you.

I hope you find this site as interesting as I do.

Just a few images of the First floor Administration desk at Nuffield Warwickshire Hospital Designed in house and constructed by the contractor.

Whilst waiting for a meeting to start at a well known Contractor’s offices, I notices a little ditty they had lying around…

Did you know your photo driving licence expires after 10years and needs to be renewed? Driving with an expired licence could attract a fine of up to £1000!

Just under the driver name and next to the photo is number 4b - this is the date of expiry. Check it - the first photo licences were issued in July 1998 so yours may be about to expire.

Boring, but consider yourselves warned.

For those who didn’t get to the RIBA, this is the link to Tim Soar’s series of architects in their offices for the AJ - all the great names… [including P+HS of course!].

Currently at Phase 2 of 4, this healthcare project at Warwickshire Nuffield’s Hospital has just been photographed by Richard at Blue Pearl. This phase acts as a preliminary contract as enabling works for the later extension which has been recently submitted for Planning. The work at Warwick builds on the concepts established at the earlier scheme for Newcastle Nuffield.

OVERALL WINNER & SUSTAINABLE AWARD WINNER
CORK CIVIC OFFICES
ABK Architects
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The crystalline volume of glass and steel is designed for maximum flexibility and contains office space. It is linked to the service block by bridges for circulation, great ‘chimneys’ for ventilation, and deep fins to control light. This volume is wrapped in a double facade, which modifies light and air for the internal environment.

The double-facade consisting of angled leafs of fritted glass set within a galvanized steel lattice is designed as a buffer from wind and city noise allowing perimeter windows to be opened in the most inclement conditions. Gaps between vertical leafs allow sufficient cool air to enter in summer while in winter, the double facade generates a microclimate, allowing staff to open perimeter windows during the coldest months.

Text and Image sourced from Galvanizers Association web site

Ryan and I are getting ever closer to the end of our student days - all that’s standing between us and our Part II is the small matter of a thesis project. Our tutors have encouraged us to pursue ‘open learning’, by which they mean sharing our work with peers, colleagues and pretty much anyone who will look. We have therefore set up blogs where we can publish the entire development process of our design projects, and where people can comment on the work we post online.

Please have a look at the sites and then, if you’re interested in helping out, check back every week or two and comment and what you see. Any feedback will be hugely useful to us.

The sites are…

http://aireabbey.blogspot.com

http://the-urban-scout.blogspot.com

Obviously we are at a very early stage right now (design work doesn’t really start until January) but we have made a start. We hope you like them, comment on them, and continue to watch as our designs develop into the unprecedented masterpieces they’re bound to be.

Thanks!

Thanks to all who came to the Malcolm Fraser lecture last night in Newcastle - even though he was 45mins late I think he still inspired us. Talking about projects that have their feet firmly planted in history and tradition, his contemporary outlook and storytelling in buildings raised debate that is worth continuing.

Image - Malcolm Fraser Architects

In the efforts to keep us sane with a bit of informative fun, todays BD issue online has a wee link to test your knowledge of the built environment.

Try it its fun…and slightly frustrating!

This and the following picture are of a Loch side B&B i came across in Broadford on the Isle of Skye recently.  This had an absolutley amazing view from it’s front window.

A modern sustainable highland croft that I came across on my recent holiday to the motherland,on the Isle of Skye.  One of these was designed by a company called rural designs.

a modern take on a highland croft.

If anyone is at a loss on what to do in the evenings until the 2nd November, I would highly recommend you visit York for the Illuminating York art event.

The Museum Gardens light installation on the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and Yorkshire Museum was spectacular. It’s free and a repeat performance runs from 5pm till 11pm.
Go the website for more info.

www.visityork.org/illuminatingyork/